Kruse Kronicle

Calmly Considered: Global Living Conditions-- Better or Worse?

Are global living conditions getting better or worse?

There are three simultaneous truths:

1. Living conditions are awful for a great many.
2. Living conditions are better than they ever have been, by far.
3. Living conditions can be improved and the trajectory is in a positive direction.

Join Allen Bevere and me as we calmly consider global living conditions.

Calmly Considered: The Year in Review 2023

In the final episode of 2023, Michael and Allan reflect on 2023 and look forward to 2024.

Calmly Considered: The Israeli Palestinian Conflict

On this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss the perennial tragedy of the Israeli Palestinian conflict.

Calmly Considered: A Discussion on Deconstruction

On this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss deconstruction particularly as it relates to religion and faith. What is deconstruction? Is it new or something that's been around for a long time? Is deconstruction present in the Bible? Was Jesus a deconstructionist?

Calmly Considered: The Mainstream Media-- Purveyors of Truth or Peddlers of Propaganda?

On this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss today's media in America and whether or not it can be trusted to give to the public a reliable picture of newsworthy events. They also ponder the implications for Christians who believe in telling and discerning the truth in a world of information overload.

Calmly Considered: The Sport of Gambling-- Should Christians Take the Bet?

In this episode of "Calmly Considered," Michael and Allan discuss the rise of betting on sports in America and gambling in general.

Calmly Considered: 2022 Review, 2023 Preview

Allan Bevere and I look back at 2022 and forward to 2023.

Should Christians Participate in Black Friday?

Allan Bevere and I discuss materialism, and Black Friday specifically.

Christian Nationalism - Christ AND Caesar?

Here is the August dialog between Allan Bevere and me about Christian nationalism and its implications. 

What's Up With Inflation

Dr. Allan Bevere and I reflect on what inflation is, how it is used in politics, and what it might mean for Christians.

Calmly Considered: Gun Violence in America

Allan Bevere and I reflect on the issue of gun violence in America.

Calmly Considered: The Demise of Democracy and the Rise of Authoritarianism

In this month's installment, Allan Bevere and I reflect on the rise of authoritarianism in recent years. 

"Democracy is receding in the world and authoritarianism is on the rise. Why is this? What is authoritarianism and what are the circumstances that lead people to trust their futures to authoritarians? How do we recognize authoritarian figures? Is character necessary for good?"

Calmly Considered: Climate Change, Yea or Nay?

Allan and I discuss the issue of human-caused climate change, the realities and the economic complexities in dealing with it, and how Scripture informs us on creation care.

Calmly Considered: Immigration-- The Biblical Witness and Current Challenges

Immigration is a complex topic. Unfortunately, our public discourse produces much more heat than light on the topic. Allan Bevere and I recently had a conversation that only skims the topic, but maybe it will provide some food for thought and encourage helpful conversation. 

Calmly Considered: How The Church Fails Businesspeople

Last week, I participated with Allan Bevere in a discussion centered on John Knapp's book "How The Church Fails Businesspeople (And What Can Be Done About It)." Discussion focuses on integrating our faith and working lives, with reflection on why that integration is so challenging.

Calmly Considered: Race in America-- History, Story, and Changing Faces

This is the latest installment in Calmly Considered, hosted by Allan Bevere. This month we are talking about racism in America. We barely skimmed the surface of the topic, as would be expected in a one-hour discussion. Hopefully, our conversation will inspire some deeper thought and encourage more reflection. Are there books or resources you have found helpful in thinking about race in America? Please share in the comments.

Calmly Considered: Socialism vs. Capitalism-- Getting Beyond the Memes

"In this month's episode of "Calmly Considered" Michael Kruse and I discuss the complex realities of socialism and capitalism that are so often distorted by simplistic social media memes, caricatures, and politicians seeking re-election."

Thanks to Allan Bevere for hosting another fun discussion. Below the video are three articles related to our discussion you may find useful.

"Capitalism vs. Socialism is the Wrong Way to Frame Today's Economic Debate" https://www.bushcenter.org/catalyst/capitalism/streeter-reeves-capitalism-vs-socialism.html

 

"Capitalism vs. Socialism: What's the Difference?" https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/020915/what-are-differences-between-capitalism-and-socialism.asp

 

"Capitalism with Scandinavian Characteristics" https://www.startribune.com/capitalism-with-scandinavian-characteristics/505916412/

Calmly Considered: Economics, the New Testament, and the 21st Century (in podcast & videocast)

This is the first installment of a once-monthly series called Calmly Considered, in which Allan Bevere and I will be discussing topics related to faith and economics. In this episode, we discuss Peter Oakes'  Empire, Economics, and the New Testament. We barely scratch the surface but hopefully some meaningful dialog.